Ezra Mam was once regarded as one of the NRL’s brightest young stars, but recently his career has been overshadowed by controversy.
In October 2024, Mam caused a car crash while driving without a licence and under the influence of drugs. As a result, an Uber driver and his two passengers, a woman and her child, were injured.
Facing the media for the first time since the crash, the five-eighth expressed a desire to change and become a role model.
“Right now, I’m looking forward to getting on the right path and being a positive role model for future generations,” he said.
But can he ever redeem his reputation and get his fans to trust him again?
Rugby league has an extensive history of player misconduct related to driving, drugs, and alcohol.
Many stars, including Braydon Trindall and Todd Carney, have faced legal consequences and disciplinary action similar to Mam, but have overcome their challenges to find success.
In April 2024, Trindall was celebrating a Cronulla Sharks win with his teammates. The next morning, he was pulled over by the police recording an alcohol reading of 0.125 and testing positive for cocaine.
The Cronulla half had his licence suspended for three months and was forced to pay a fine of $1100.
Trindall was stood down from the Sharks after the incident until he pleaded guilty in court in May, missing a total of five matches.
Despite this he was a breakout talent of the 2024 season, averaging more run metres, kick metres, tries, and try assists than any of his previous years.
Carney has one of the most extensive disciplinary records in NRL history, with multiple driving and drinking related offences.
In December of 2006 Carney was charged with reckless driving and drink driving which resulted in his licence being suspended for five years.
Just six months later, Carney and Canberra Raiders teammate Steve Irwin were involved in a high-speed police chase. Carney was charged with driving while disqualified, negligent driving, and failing to stop when directed.
He managed to avoid prison by agreeing to 200 hours of community service, being placed on a 12-month good-behaviour bond, and having his licence suspended until 2012.
Todd Carney duing his time at the Raiders. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)
In 2008 after allegedly urinating on a man in a Canberra nightclub he was issued an ultimatum by the Raiders which included five points. After refusing the ultimatum, he was sacked.
His return to the NRL came in 2010 where he signed with the Sydney Roosters, led them to a Grand Final appearance, and was announced as the Dally M winner.
The road to redemption for these players was not easy but the history shows that NRL players can recover from scandal, at least on the field.
For Mam, the challenge is proving that he can change the way he says he will.
The NRL has shown that it allows second chances. Whether Mam makes the most of his second chance remains to be seen.
